Dmb terminal for enabling simultaneous dmb viewing and phone call and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A DMB terminal and method for simultaneous DMB viewing and calling are provided. The DMB terminal includes a DMB module for providing a DMB service; a modem module for providing mobile communication functionality, the DMB module and the modem module being able to operate separately; a DMB-modem switch unit for switching an image output path for outputting image information, an audible sound output path for outputting audible sounds, and a key input path for receiving a key input signal from a user to the DMB module or the modem module; and a DMB-modem switch controller for, upon user selection of an operation mode, controlling the DMB-modem switch unit to switch the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to a module corresponding to the selected operation mode

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/415,751, which was filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office onMay 2, 2006, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to KoreanApplication Serial No. 10-2005-0041353, which was filed in the KoreanIntellectual Property Office on May 17, 2005, the entire content of eachof which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a terminal for receivingDigital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB), and in particular, to a DMBterminal having the dual functions of DMB reception and mobile phonecall enabled.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, portable terminals permit the transition between operationstates according to a key input from a user. For example, when the userreceives or writes a Short Message Service (SMS) message, the controllerof his portable terminal transitions from the current operation state toanother operation state for performing the SMS function according to akey pressed by the user. This kind of state transition is triggered asthe controller senses generation of an event such as input of apredetermined key from the user. A device that performs such anevent-triggered state transition is called a “state machine.”

Existing mobile phones work based on this state transition mechanism. ADMB terminal, being a kind of mobile phone, is not an exception. FIG. 1is an event-triggered state transition diagram for a typical DMBterminal. In the illustrated case of FIG. 1, the DMB terminal operatesin a User Interface (UI) state 100. The UI state 100 is divided into anidle state 102, a menu state 104 for displaying a predetermined menu, acall state 106 for call termination and call origination, and a DMBstate 108 for allowing the user to view DMB.

Referring to FIG. 1, with no key input from the user, the UI state 100stays in the idle state 102. When the user presses a Menu key to use aspecific application, the DMB terminal transitions from the idle state102 to the menu state 104 to display a menu. Upon incoming of a call orupon call origination from the user, the DMB terminal transitions to thecall state 106 in response to the event, for call processing. If theuser presses a key designated for DMB viewing, the DMB terminaltransitions to the DMB state 108 to receive and output DMB data.

The typical DMB terminal working in the operation states illustrated inFIG. 1 is configured to be in only one operation state at a given time.For instance, upon incoming of a call during providing the DMB serviceto the user in the DMB state 108, the DMB terminal transitions to thecall state 106 for call termination, if the user accepts the incomingcall. Thus, the DMB operation in the DMB state 108 is terminated.

As described above, if the typical DMB terminal needs to perform anotheroperation during the DMB service, it transitions to an operation statecorresponding to the new operation, terminating DMB reception.

Moreover, if the user needs to call during viewing DMB, he cannotcontinue to view the DMB because a state transition to the call statetakes place to place a call.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to substantially solve at leastthe above problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least theadvantages below.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention is to provide anapparatus and method for enabling a user to continuously view DMBwithout interruptions, while a DMB terminal carries out anotheroperation during the DMB viewing.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus andmethod for enabling a user to view DMB while conducting a call.

The above and other aspects are achieved by providing a DMB terminal forenabling simultaneous DMB viewing and call, and a method therefor.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a DMB terminal isprovided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function. The DMBterminal includes a DMB module for providing a DMB service; a modemmodule for providing mobile communication functionality, the DMB moduleand the modem module being able to operate separately; a DMB-modemswitch unit for switching an image output path for outputting imageinformation, an audible sound output path for outputting audible sounds,and a key input path for receiving a key input signal from a user to theDMB module or the modem module; and a DMB-modem switch controller for,upon user selection of an operation mode, controlling the DMB-modemswitch unit to switch the image output path, the audible sound outputpath, and the key input path to a module corresponding to the selectedoperation mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communicationmethod is provided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in aDMB terminal, in which a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modemmodule provides mobile communication functionality, wherein the DMBmodule and the modem module are able to operate separately, and themodem module switches an image output path, an audible sound outputpath, and a key input path to one of the DMB module or the modem module.The communication method includes (1) switching, by the modem module,the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key inputpath to the DMB module, upon user selection of a DMB reception mode; (2)outputting, by the DMB module, DMB data through the audible sound outputpath and the image output path, and receiving a key input from a userthrough the key input path; (3) switching, by the modem module, theimage output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input pathto the modem module, in response to acceptance of an incoming call; (4)processing, by the modem module, the incoming call to allow the user toconduct a conversation; and (5) switching, by the modem module, theimage output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input pathto the DMB module, after processing the incoming call.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communicationmethod is provided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in aDMB terminal, in which a DMB module provides a DMB service and a modemmodule provides mobile communication functionality, wherein the DMBmodule and the modem module are able to operate separately, and themodem module switches an image output path, an audible sound outputpath, and a key input path to one of the DMB module or the modem module.The communication method includes (a) switching, by the modem module,the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key inputpath to the DMB module, upon user selection of DMB reception; (b)outputting, by the DMB module, DMB data through the audible sound outputpath and the image output path and receiving a key input from a userthrough the key input path; (c) switching, by the modem module, theimage output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input pathto the modem module, in response to acceptance of displaying a message;(d) processing, by the modem module, the received message to allow theuser to read the message; and (e) switching, by the modem module, theimage output path, the audible sound output path, and the key input pathto the DMB module, after processing the received message.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a communicationmethod is provided for simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function in aDMB terminal, in which where a DMB module provides a DMB service and amodem module provides mobile communication functionality, wherein theDMB module and the modem module are able to operate separately, and themodem module switches an image output path, an audible sound outputpath, and a key input path to one of the DMB module or the modem module.The communication method includes (i) switching, by the modem module,the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the key inputpath to the DMB module, upon user selection of a DMB reception mode;(ii) outputting, by the DMB module, DMB data through the audible soundoutput path and the image output path, and receiving a key input from auser through the key input path; (iii) detecting, by the DMB module,input of a send key for originating a call or writing and sending amessage, and notifying the modem module of the send key input; (iv)performing a send key operation, upon key input from the user, when thesend key input is detected by the modem module; and (v) switching, bythe modem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path,and the key input path to the DMB module, after performing the send keyoperation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating state transitions triggered by keyinput in a typical DMB terminal;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a DMB terminal according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of a controller in the DMB terminalaccording to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a call termination/message receptionor call origination/message transmission in the DMB terminal accordingto the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call origination/messagetransmission in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call termination/messagereception in the DMB terminal according to the embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an output switching operation uponinput of an output switching key during the call termination/messagereception or the call origination/message transmission in the DMBterminal according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the followingdescription, well-known functions or constructions are not described indetail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

For comprehensive understanding of the present invention, the basicprinciple of the present invention will be described. In a DMB terminalaccording to the present invention, a controller is provided with a DMBmodule for receiving, processing, and outputting DMB data and at leastone other module for performing a function other than the DMB receptionfunction. Each application for driving a corresponding module isassigned a different memory working area so that applications can be runconcurrently. Therefore, two or more modules can operate simultaneouslyat a given time.

For this purpose, a switch is further provided to switch an image outputpath running to a display for outputting image information, an audiblesound output path running to an amplifier for outputting audible sounds,and a key input path running from a keypad for providing key inputreceived from a user through the keypad to the controller to the DMBmodule or the at least one other module. A module serving as a maincontrol module in the controller controls the switching operation.Therefore, if the user wants another function during viewing DMB, he canuse the function without terminating the DMB.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a DMB terminal according to the presentinvention. For simplicity, the DMB terminal is assumed to have a DMBmodule for receiving, processing, and outputting DMB data and a modemmodule for performing traditional call functionality and datacommunications.

Referring to FIG. 2, in the DMB terminal, a memory 202, a keypad 204, adisplay 206, a baseband processor 210, and a Coder-DECoder (CODEC) 212are connected to a controller 200. The controller 200 includes a modemmodule 218 for processing phone calls and data communications, andprocessing audio signals and data according to a wireless Internetconnection protocol, and a DMB module 220 for receiving DMB dataincluding video, audio, and information data, decoding the audio dataand video data through a DMB audio decoder and a DMB video decoder,respectively, and controlling output of the decoded data. The controller200 is further provided with a DMB-modem switch unit 216 for switchingthe modem module 218 or the DMB module 220 to a key input path forreceiving a key input signal from the user through the keypad 204, animage output path for outputting image information to the display 206,and an audible sound output path for outputting an audible sound signalto an amplifier 214. While the DMB-modem switch unit 216 can beimplemented in hardware, needless to say, it can be implemented also insoftware such as a switching application. The controller 200 isillustrated in more detail in FIG. 3.

The memory 202 includes a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, and aRandom Access Memory (RAM). The ROM stores programs for processing andcontrolling in the controller 200, and reference data. The RAM providesa working memory for the controller 200 and the flash memory provides anarea for storing updatable data. According to the present invention, thememory 202 has an application for driving a module serving as a maincontrol module and another application for driving another module, andprovides a working area to each of the applications, when needed. Hence,the DMB terminal can operate two or more modules at a given time.

The keypad 204 is provided with keys including alphanumerical keys andprovides a key input received from the user to the controller 200.According to the present invention, the keypad 204 further has an outputswitching key. The output switching key is used to invoke an outputswitching function for switching only the image output path and the keyinput path to the DMB module 220 during an incoming call process or anoutgoing call process in the modem module 218 and thus for allowing theuser to view the DMB while conducting a call.

A Radio Frequency (RF) processor 208 transmits/receives an RF signalto/from a base station. It downconverts the received RF signal to anIntermediate Frequency (IF) signal and provides the IF signal to abaseband processor 210 connected to the controller 200. It alsoupconverts an IF signal received from the baseband processor 210 to anRF signal and transmits the RF signal through an antenna. The RFprocessor 208 is configured to receive DMB data. The baseband processor210 is a Baseband Analog (BBA) ASIC that interfaces between thecontroller 200 and the RF processor 208. The baseband processor 210converts a digital baseband signal received from the controller 200 toan analog IF signal and provides the analog IF signal to the RFprocessor 208. It also converts an analog IF signal received from the RFprocessor 208 to a digital baseband signal and provides the digitalbaseband signal to the controller 200.

The CODEC 212 is connected to a microphone and a speaker (not shown) viathe amplifier 214. The CODEC 212 Pulse Code Modulation (PCM)-encodes avoice signal received through the microphone and outputs the resultingvoice data to the controller 200. It also PCM-decodes voice datareceived from the controller 200 and outputs the decoded signal throughthe speaker. The amplifier 214 amplifiers the voice signal receivedthrough the microphone or the voice signal to be output through thespeaker and adjusts the volume of the speaker and the gain of themicrophone under the control of the controller 200. Upon receipt of anaudible sound signal in DMB data from the controller 200, the amplifier214 amplifies the audible sound signal and outputs the amplified signalthrough the speaker.

FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the controller 200 in the DMBterminal according to the embodiment of the present invention. Referringto FIG. 3, the DMB-modem switch unit 216 includes an audible soundswitch 316 for switching to the audible sound output path, an imageoutput switch 318 for switching to the image output path, and a keyinput switch 320 for switching to the key input path.

The modem module 218 includes a reception detector 304 for detecting anincoming call or an SMS (Short Message Service)/Multimedia MessagingService (MMS) message, and a call and message processor 306 for enablingthe user to conduct a call upon call termination or call origination, toread the SMS/MMS message upon receipt of the message, or to write andsend the SMS/MMS message. If the modem module 218 is a main controlmodule, it is provided with a DMB-modem switch controller 300 forcontrolling the DMB-modem switch unit 216. The DMB-modem switchcontroller 216 is a software application implemented to control theDMB-modem switch 216 in the modem module 218. Needless to say, it can beimplemented in hardware. The modem module 218 is also provided with aDMB module interface 302 for exchanging signals with the DMB module 220.The DMB-modem switch controller 300 may be incorporated into the DMBmodule interface 302. The modem module 218 is further provided with anoutput switching key input detector 308. The output switching key isused to invoke an output switching function for switching only the imageoutput path and the key input path to the DMB module 220 during anincoming call process or an outgoing call process in the modem module218 and thus for allowing the user to view the DMB while conducting acall.

The output switching key input detector 308 detects input of the outputswitching key during call processing in the modem module 218. In thestate where the key input path is connected to the modem module 218, theoutput switching key input detector 308 detects input of the outputswitching key. Thus, the output switching key input detector 308 can beincluded only in the modem module 218 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The DMB module 220 has a DMB data processor 312 for receiving, decodingand outputting DMB data and a send key input detector 314 for detectinginput of a Send key for originating a call or sending an SMS/MMS messagewhile the DMB module 220 is receiving and outputting DMB data. The DMBmodule 220 further includes a modem module interface 310, for exchangingsignals with the modem module 218.

If the user selects a DMB reception mode, the DMB-modem switchcontroller 300 of the modem module 218 controls the audible sound switch316, the image output switch 318, and the key input switch 320 to switchthe DMB module 220 to the audible sound output path, the image outputpath, and the key input path. Thus, the DMB module 220 can outputaudible sounds to the amplifier 214 and image information to the display206. Also, a key input signal from the user can be provided to the DMBmodule 220 through the keypad 204.

In this state, if the user presses the Send key to write an SMS/MMSmessage or to originate a call, the DMB module 220 detects this eventthrough the send key input detector 314 and transmits a send key inputindication signal indicating this event to the modem module 218 throughthe modem module interface 310. In the modem module 218, the DMB-modemswitch controller 300 then controls the audible sound switch 316, theimage output switch 318, and the key input switch 320 to switch theaudible sound output path, the image output path, and the key input pathto the modem module 218. In this case, since the DMB-modem switchcontroller 300 simply switches those paths, the DMB data processor 312of the DMB module 220 continues to receive and process DMB datairrespective of the control operation of the DMB-modem switch controller300. However, since the audible sound output path, the image outputpath, and the key input path have switched off from the DMB module 220,neither image information and audible sounds of the DMB data are outputnor a key input from the user is provided to the DMB module 220.

Upon key input from the user, the modem module 218 sends the writtenmessage or processes the outgoing call. When the call processing ormessage transmission is completed, the DMB-modem switch controller 300controls the audible sound output path, the image output path, and thekey input path to be switched again to the DMB module 220. Therefore,when the user originates a call or writes and sends a message, the DMBterminal can perform call origination or send the message withoutterminating the DMB reception in accordance with the embodiment of thepresent invention.

The same thing applies to call termination or message reception duringDMB viewing. Yet in this case, upon detection of an incoming call or anincoming SMS/MMS message in the reception detector 304, the DMB-modemswitch controller 300 controls the audible sound output path, the imageoutput path, and the key input path to be switched to the modem module218 until processing of the incoming call or reception of the message iscompleted. The path switching operation of the DMB-modem switchcontroller 300 in the case of an incoming call or an incoming messagewill be described in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of the modem module218 and the DMB module 220 in the controller 200 when the user selects aDMB reception mode in the DMB terminal according to the presentinvention. These operations are performed under the assumption that themodem module 218 is a main control module.

Referring to FIG. 4, upon user selection of a DMB reception mode, themodem module 218 connects the audible sound output path, the imageoutput path, and the key input path to the DMB module 220 in step 400.In step 402, the modem module 218 applies a DMB module enable signal tothe DMB module 220. The DMB module 220 receives DMB data, decodes theDMB data and outputs audible sounds and image information through theaudible sound output path and the image output path, respectively instep 404. Upon receipt of a key input from the user, the DMB module 220determines whether the Send key has been pressed in step 406. Upon inputof the Send key, the DMB module 220 provides a send key input indicationsignal to the modem module 218 in step 408.

In the meantime, after applying the DMB module enable signal to the DMBmodule 220, the modem module 218 monitors incoming calls or SMS/MMSmessages in step 416. Upon receipt of an incoming call or an SMS/MMSmessage, the modem module 218 connects to the audible sound output path,the image output path, and the key input path, and processes theincoming call or message such that the user can conduct a conversationor read the message in step 418. On the contrary, if neither a call nora message is incoming, the modem module 218 determines whether the sendkey input indication signal has been received from the DMB module 220 instep 410. Upon receipt of the send key input indication signal, themodem module 218 connects to the audible sound output path, the imageoutput path, and the key input path, and performs an outgoing callprocess or an SMS/MMS message writing and sending operation in step 412.Step 412 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5.

After the call termination or message reception in step 418 or the callorigination or message transmission in step 412, the modem module 218connects the audible sound output path, the image output path, and thekey input path again to the DMB module 220 in step 414. Notably, theoperations of step 418 and step 412 have no effects on DMB reception. Inthese steps, the modem module 218 simply switches to the audible soundoutput path, the image output path, and the key input path in steps 412and 418. Therefore, during the operations in the modem module 218, theDMB module 220 continues to receive and process the DMB data in step404. As the audible sound output path, the image output path, and thekey input path are connected to the DMB module 220 in step 414, an audiosignal and a video signal from the DMB data are output through thedisplay 206 and the speaker and a key input from the keypad 204 isprovided to the DMB module 220. In this way, even upon an incoming callor an SMS/MMS message during DMB viewing, the user can answer theincoming call and conduct a conversation, or read the SMS/MMS messagewithout terminating the DMB viewing. Also, the user can write and send amessage or originate a call without terminating the DMB viewing.

FIG. 5 is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call origination ormessage transmission in step 412 illustrated in FIG. 4. Referring toFIG. 5, upon user input of the Send key during viewing the DMB, themodem module 218 controls the audible sound switch 316, the image outputswitch 318, and the key input switch 320 to switch the audible soundoutput path, the image output path, and the key input path to the modemmodule 218 in step 500. In step 502, the modem module 218 processes anoutgoing call, or enables the user to write and send an SMS/MMS message.

The modem module 218 determines whether the output switching key hasbeen pressed in step 504. Upon input of the output switching key in step506, the modem module 218 switches the image output path and the keyinput path to the DMB module 220 so that the output of the DMB module220 is connected to the display 206 and a key input is provided to theDMB module 220. The output switching key is used to invoke an outputswitching function for switching only the image output path and the keyinput path to the DMB module 220 during an incoming call process or anoutgoing call process in the modem module 218 and thus for allowing theuser to view the DMB while conducting a call. Detection of the input ofthe output switching key and the accompanying output switching operationwill be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 7.

On the other hand, if the output switching key has not been pressed instep 504, the modem module 218 determines whether the outgoing call ormessage process has been completed in step 508. If the outgoing call ormessage process continues, the modem module 218 returns to step 504. Onthe contrary, upon completion of the outgoing call or message process,the modem module 218 controls the audible sound switch 316, the imageswitch 318, and the key input switch 320 to switch the audible soundoutput path, the image output path, and the key input path to the DMBmodule 220. Therefore, during viewing the DMB, the DMB terminal enablesthe user to write and send a message or to originate a call withoutinterrupting DMB reception in accordance with the present invention.Thus, the user can enjoy the DMB without re-starting the DMB, shortlyafter the message transmission or the call origination.

FIG. 6 is a detailed flowchart illustrating the call termination ormessage reception in step 418 illustrated in FIG. 4. Referring to FIG.6, upon incoming of a call or an SMS/MMS message during viewing the DMBin step 418, the modem module 218 alerts the user to the incoming of thecall or the SMS/MMS message in step 600. If the user does not want toaccept the incoming call or to read the SMS/MMS message, the modemmodule 218 returns to step 416. If the user accepts the incoming call orwants to read the SMS/MMS message, the modem module 218 controls theaudible sound switch 316, the image switch 318, and the key input path320 to switch the audible sound output path, the image output path, andthe key input path to the modem module 218 in step 602.

In step 604, the modem module 218 processes the incoming call to allowthe user to conduct a conversation or processes the received message toallow the user to read the message. The modem module 218 then determineswhether the output switching key has been pressed in step 606. Uponinput of the output switching key, the modem module 218 switches theimage output path and the key input path to the DMB module 220 in step506. Thus, the DMB module 220 is able to output DMB contents to thedisplay 206 and receive a key input from the user. The output switchingkey is used to invoke an output switching function for switching onlythe image output path and the key input path to the DMB module 220during an incoming call process or an outgoing call process in the modemmodule 218 and thus for allowing the user to view the DMB whileconducting a call. The detection of input of the output switching keyaccompanied by the output switching will be described in great detailwith reference to FIG. 7.

If the output switching key has not been pressed in step 606, the modemmodule 218 determines whether the call process or the message processinghas been completed in step 608. If the call or message process stillgoes on, the modem module 218 returns to step 606. Upon completion ofthe call or message process in step 608, the modem module 218 controlsthe audible sound switch 316, the image output switch 318, and the keyinput switch 320 to switch the audible sound output path, the imageoutput path, and the key input path to the DMB module 220. In this way,the DMB terminal enables the user to read a received message or toanswer an incoming call and conduct a conversation at any time duringviewing the DMB, without terminating the DMB. Therefore, after readingthe received message or ending the call, the user can return to the DMBwithout re-starting the DMB.

FIG. 7 is a detailed flowchart illustrating the operation for switchingthe image output path and the key input path upon input of the outputswitching key during an incoming call process or an outgoing callprocess in step 506 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. Referring to FIG. 7,the modem module 218 detects the input of the output switching key instep 504 of FIG. 5 or in step 606 of FIG. 6. The output switching key isconfigured in hardware on the keypad 204 or in software.

Upon input of the output switching key, the modem module 218 determineswhether it has been connected to the image output path and the key inputpath in step 700. If it has, the modem module 218 controls the imageoutput switch 318 and the key input switch 320 to switch the imageoutput path and the key input path except the audible sound output pathto the DMB module 220 in step 702. Thus, even during a conversation, theuser can view the DMB on the display 206 and change a broadcast channelby a key input. However, since the audible sound output path is stillconnected to the modem module 218, the audio signal from the DMB is notoutput.

On the other hand, if the image output path and the key input path arenot connected to the modem module 218 in step 700, the modem module 218controls the image output switch 318 and the key input switch 320 toswitch from the DMB module 220 to the modem module 218 in step 704.Thus, the audible sound output path, the image output path, and the keyinput path are all connected to the modem module 218. If the outputswitching key is pressed a first time, the display 206 is switched tothe DMB module 220 to allow the user to view the DMB during a call. Ifthe output switching key is pressed a second time, the display 206 isswitched to the modem module 218, for the call. In this way, the usercan toggle the display output and key input between the DMB mode and thecall mode.

In accordance with the present invention as described above, the DMBterminal is provided with a switch unit for switching an image outputpath, an audible sound output path, and a key input path between a DMBmodule and a modem module. The modem module controls the image outputpath, the audible sound output path, and the key input to be connectedto the DMB module when the user selects a DMB reception mode. If theuser wants to use the modem module during viewing the DMB, the imageoutput path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path aresimply switched to the modem module, so that the user can use the modemmodule without terminating the DMB reception. Thus, the user cancontinue to view the DMB without interruptions even though he invokes afunction of the modem module during viewing the DMB.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to acertain preferred embodiment thereof, it is a mere exemplaryapplication. While the function of the modem module has been describedin the context of call origination/termination andtransmission/reception of an SMS/MMS message, the present invention isnot limited to the specific modem module function. The present inventionis also applicable to other functions of the modem module during DMBviewing, such as a directory search. In addition, while the presentinvention has been described in the context of a DMB terminal with a DMBmodule and a modem module, needless to say, the present invention can beused for a DMB receiver having a Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) modulefor receiving, processing and outputting DVB data. Furthermore, thepresent invention is also applicable to a DMB terminal having a DMBmodule and a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) module. Therefore, it willbe understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) terminalfor simultaneous DMB viewing and a call function, the DMB terminalcomprising: a DMB module for providing a DMB service; a modem module forproviding mobile communication functionality, the DMB module and themodem module being able to operate separately; a DMB-modem switch unitfor switching an image output path for outputting image information, anaudible sound output path for outputting audible sounds, and a key inputpath for receiving a key input signal from a user to the DMB module orthe modem module; and a DMB-modem switch controller for, upon userselection of an operation mode, controlling the DMB-modem switch unit toswitch the image output path, the audible sound output path, and the keyinput path to a module corresponding to the selected operation mode. 2.The DMB terminal of claim 1, wherein the modem module includes theDMB-modem switch controller.
 3. The DMB terminal of claim 1, wherein, ifthe selected operation mode is a DMB reception mode, the DMB-modemswitch controller controls the DMB-modem switch unit to switch the imageoutput path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path tothe DMB module.
 4. The DMB terminal of claim 1, wherein, if the selectedoperation mode is a mobile communication mode, the DMB-modem switchcontroller controls the DMB-modem switch unit to switch the image outputpath, the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the modemmodule.
 5. The DMB terminal of claim 4, wherein the mobile communicationmode comprises one of: a call mode for processing an incoming call or anoutgoing call; a short message service (SMS) mode for reading an SMSmessage or writing and sending an SMS message; and a multimediamessaging service (MMS) mode for reading an MMS message or writing andsending an MMS message.
 6. The DMB terminal of claim 1, wherein the DMBmodule comprises: a send key input detector for detecting input of asend key for originating a call or writing and sending a short messageservice (SMS) or multimedia messaging service (MMS) message; and a modemmodule interface for providing a send key input indication signalindicating the input of the send key to the DMB-modem switch controller.7. The DMB terminal of claim 6, wherein upon receipt of the send keyinput indication signal, the DMB-modem switch controller controls theDMB-modem switch unit to switch the image output path, the audible soundoutput path, and the key input path to the modem module.
 8. The DMBmodule of claim 1, wherein when the modem module detects an incomingcall, short message service (SMS) message, or multimedia messagingservice (MMS) message, the DMB-modem switch controller controls theDMB-modem switch to switch the image output path, the audible soundoutput path, and the key input path to the modem module according to auser selection.
 9. The DMB terminal of claim 1, wherein the DMB-modemswitch unit comprises: an audible sound switch for switching the audiblesound output path to the modem module or the DMB module, the audiblesound output path being connected to an amplifier; an image outputswitch for switching the image output path to the modem module or theDMB module, the image output path being connected to a display; and akey input switch for switching the key input path to the modem module orthe DMB module, the key input path being connected to a keypad.
 10. TheDMB terminal of claim 9, wherein the keypad comprises an outputswitching key for switching the image output path and the key input pathto a module other than a current connected module during an incomingcall process or an outgoing call process in the modem module.
 11. TheDMB terminal of claim 10, wherein upon input of the output switchingkey, the DMB-modem switch controller controls the image output switchand the key input switch to switch the image output path and the keyinput path to the DMB module.
 12. A communication method forsimultaneous digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) viewing and a callfunction in a DMB terminal, in which a DMB module provides a DMB serviceand a modem module provides mobile communication functionality, whereinthe DMB module and the modem module are able to operate separately, andthe modem module switches an image output path, an audible sound outputpath, and a key input path to one of the DMB module or the modem module,the communication method comprising the steps of: (1) switching, by themodem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, andthe key input path to the DMB module, upon user selection of a DMBreception mode; (2) outputting, by the DMB module, DMB data through theaudible sound output path and the image output path, and receiving a keyinput from a user through the key input path; (3) switching, by themodem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, andthe key input path to the modem module, in response to acceptance of anincoming call; (4) processing, by the modem module, the incoming call toallow the user to conduct a conversation; and (5) switching, by themodem module, the image output path, the audible sound output path, andthe key input path to the DMB module, after processing the incomingcall.
 13. The communication method of claim 12, wherein step (3)comprises: identifying the incoming call; asking the user whether theuser will accept the incoming call; and switching the image output path,the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the modemmodule, in response to the acceptance of the incoming call.
 14. Thecommunication method of claim 12, wherein the DMB terminal includes anoutput switching key in a keypad, for indicating to the modem module toswitch the image output path and the key input path to a module otherthan a current connected module, upon receipt of the incoming call. 15.The communication method of claim 14, further comprising: determiningwhether the incoming call has been terminated, after step (4);determining whether the output switching key has been input, if theincoming call has not been terminated; and switching the image outputpath and the key input path to the module other than the currentconnected module, if the output switching key has been input.
 16. Acommunication method for simultaneous digital multimedia broadcasting(DMB) viewing and a call function in a DMB terminal, in which a DMBmodule provides a DMB service and a modem module provides mobilecommunication functionality, wherein the DMB module and the modem moduleare able to operate separately, and the modem module switches an imageoutput path, an audible sound output path, and a key input path to oneof the DMB module or the modem module, the communication methodcomprising the steps of: (a) switching, by the modem module, the imageoutput path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path tothe DMB module, upon user selection of DMB reception; (b) outputting, bythe DMB module, DMB data through the audible sound output path and theimage output path and receiving a key input from a user through the keyinput path; (c) switching, by the modem module, the image output path,the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the modemmodule, in response to acceptance of displaying a message; (d)processing, by the modem module, the received message to allow the userto read the message; and (e) switching, by the modem module, the imageoutput path, the audible sound output path, and the key input path tothe DMB module, after processing the received message.
 17. Thecommunication method of claim 16, wherein the message includes one of ashort message service (SMS) message and a multimedia messaging service(MMS) message.
 18. The communication method of claim 16, wherein step(c) comprises: identifying receipt of the message; asking the userwhether the user will accept the displaying of the received message; andswitching the image output path, the audible sound output path, and thekey input path to the modem module, in response to the acceptance ofdisplaying the received message.
 19. A communication method forsimultaneous digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) viewing and a callfunction in a DMB terminal, in which where a DMB module provides a DMBservice and a modem module provides mobile communication functionality,wherein the DMB module and the modem module are able to operateseparately, and the modem module switches an image output path, anaudible sound output path, and a key input path to one of the DMB moduleor the modem module, the communication method comprising the steps of:(i) switching, by the modem module, the image output path, the audiblesound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module, upon userselection of a DMB reception mode; (ii) outputting, by the DMB module,DMB data through the audible sound output path and the image outputpath, and receiving a key input from a user through the key input path;(iii) detecting, by the DMB module, input of a send key for originatinga call or writing and sending a message, and notifying the modem moduleof the send key input; (iv) performing a send key operation, upon keyinput from the user, when the send key input is detected by the modemmodule; and (v) switching, by the modem module, the image output path,the audible sound output path, and the key input path to the DMB module,after performing the send key operation.
 20. The communication method ofclaim 19, wherein the send key operation includes one of callorigination, and writing and sending a short message service (SMS)message or a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message according to thekey input from the user.
 21. The communication method of claim 20,wherein the DMB terminal further includes an output switching key in akeypad, for indicating to the modem module to switch the image outputpath and the key input path to a module other than a current connectedmodule while processing an outgoing call.
 22. The communication methodof claim 21, further comprising: processing the outgoing call for theuser to conduct a conversation; determining whether the outgoing callhas been terminated; determining whether the output switching key hasbeen input, if the outgoing call has not been terminated; and switchingthe image output path and the key input path to the module other thanthe current connected module, upon input of the output switching key.